The IMEI (International Mobile
Equipment Identity) number of a mobile phone is a 15 digit number unique
to a mobile handset. Just key in *#06# on your mobile phone
and it will display its IMEI number in most phones. Note it down safely.
It is also usually printed on the compliance plate of the handset usually under
the battery.

In fact each GSM mobile phone
is assigned a unique IMEI code when it is produced. If you know the IMEI
code of a mobile phone, you can check information regarding manufacturer,
model type, date and country of approval. To do so online Click
here .

You can also
verify above information by sending an SMS as follows. Type IMEI [your 15 digit
IMEI number] and send it to 53232 or 57886. For example IMEI 359223015426526 to
53232 . You will receive a message with all available details from the service
provider.

IMEI number can help in tracking
or blocking your mobile phone if it is lost. When a phone is switched on,
the IMEI number is transmitted and checked against a database in the network's
EIR (Equipment Identity Register). The EIR has three categories namely
the "white lists", "grey lists" and "black lists". The operator can block
a handset by putting it in black list. Also by using Global Positioning
System an operator can track the handset user also. But the use of these
lists and technologies is at the operator's discretion. Generally operators
provide these services in case of special investigations only.